Product Description
The Griffin 2020-iMic USB Audio Adapter is the quick, easy way to add a stereo input and output to your Macintosh or PC. The iMic allows you to connect microphones, stereos, musical instruments, powered speakers and more to the iBook, Titanium PowerBook, PowerMac or any other Mac or PC with a USB port. 2.5 Diameter x 0.84 Thickness; Weighs 2 ounces
Amazon.com Review
Manufacturers have made it increasingly easy to connect a host of FireWire and USB devices to your computer, but often at the expense of the microphone port and other jacks. Enter the Griffin iMic audio adapter, an affordable USB device that lets users connect microphones, speakers, cassette decks, and virtually any other audio source to their Macs and PCs for recording or playback. Among its many uses are recording voices or instruments for home movies, turning your laptop into a DJ studio, or converting your LPs and cassettes into MP3s or CDs. The iMic includes two 1/8-inch mini-jack ports (one mic/line-level input and one speaker output), along with an RCA-to-miniplug adapter for connecting audio components such as phonographs. Thanks to a small toggle switch on the unit, the microphone input can handle both mic-level recording and line-level signals. In addition, the iMic works with most recording software, and even comes with a CD-ROM loaded with Final Vinyl for Macintosh (for recording LPs), along with trial versions of several other applications.
Design and Setup
The iMic looks like a compact version of the sleek power adapters that come with iBooks. Its major shortcoming from a design standpoint is the length of its cable, which measures a mere foot-and-a-half long. Users who plug the device into their computers' rear USB ports had better hope that their other peripherals have far longer cables; otherwise, they'll be huddling close to their hard drives while recording. Installation was effortless, however--simply plug the iMic into a USB port and you're ready to go. The iMic is both Mac and PC compatible, though owners of pre-OS X and pre-Windows XP operating systems may not be able to enjoy its full array of features. For instance, the iMic only acts as a recording device for Windows 98 SE and 2000 systems, and is unable to output music. Some users have also reported the need to update their firmware in order for the iMic to work properly.
The iMic comes with a quick start manual, but it's fairly minimal, which could make it a bit confusing to operate for people who don't have recording experience. Fortunately, Griffin's web site (www.griffintechnology.com) spells out the instructions in relatively good detail. Mac users should note that they'll need to fiddle with the Speech and Sound Preference panels and enable the "iMic USB audio system" before use, while PC users will need to select the iMic under the Sounds and Audio Devices control panel.
Features and Performance
We tested the iMic in two different applications--converting a cassette to MP3 and recording a voice with an external three-pin microphone using Griffin's GarageBand microphone cable. The cassette conversion went smoothly. After connecting the tape deck through the RCA-to-miniplug adapter and flipping the toggle switch to the line-level setting, we used the Final Vinyl software to convert the files to WAV format. Once the files were recorded, it was simple to import them to iTunes and convert them to MP3 or AAC files. Given the symbiotic relationship between iTunes and the iPod, it was also a snap to sync the files for portable play. The audio quality was quite good for a low-priced sound card--the iMic offers 24-bit audio processing, though most computers support a maximum of 16-bit sampling at this juncture--and thus was restricted more by the quality of the initial cassette than the iMic itself. However, the increased capacity bodes well for future upgrades.
The device also recorded the microphone audio quite easily, this time into the GarageBand application for the Mac. The recording quality in this application was also good--no background noise or static. As with the cassette example, the quality will likely depend more on the source equipment and software than on the iMic. When we were finished, it was simple to transfer the recording to other multimedia applications, such as iMovie. One source of confusion, however, was the toggle switch, which we had to move to the microphone setting (which includes a preamp) for proper operation. The problem is that the toggle switch is counter-intuitively labeled--the microphone setting is under the speaker icon rather than microphone icon--so it's easy to set it incorrectly and wonder why the input isn't working.
On the whole, though, the iMic is a very good value for the price, and is a great addition for Mac users who miss the once-standard microphone ports. Serious musicians and other high-end users should probably invest in professional equipment, but the rest of us will have a ball. --Rivers Janssen
Pros
- Great for a variety of uses, from recording voice and instruments to converting LPs and cassettes to digital formats
- Good audio quality at an affordable price
- Plugs conveniently into USB port and sets up easily
- Compatible with both Macs and PCs
Cons
- No user's manual and slim quick start manual
- Confusing switch between mic and line-level settings
- Cord is relatively short at 1.5 feet
What's in the Box
iMic adapter, RCA-to-miniplug cord, software CD-ROM, quick start manual.
Customer Reviews:
Pleased.......2007-10-27
Quick shipping and received in prompt time. Will buy from again if need to. Product as described and in good shape. Nice product..Thanks..
digitize old phono records.......2007-08-24
If you want ot burn old phono records to cdrom/dvd, this is an inexpensive method to easliy do it.
Converting analog to digital using iMic.......2007-08-16
I ordered the iMic in order to digitize analog tapes and LP's on my Macintosh Computer. So far I have only transfered seven lps.
Set-up of iMic is pretty straight forward: Plug in the two audio (white/red) lines to the "VCR outport" of your receiver, the other end in the USB of your computer.
One complaint was even though iMic comes with directions on the wiring set-up, it isn't clear on what port to use on the receiver. They mention Auxiliary port, but I don't have one, so I had to search the internet and in one of the forums I found the VCR port mentioned.
To continue set-up: Open up the sound window in system preferences and the iMic should be in the list. Click on this and close the window.
iMic offers a free software called Final Vinyl. I tried using this but it quit on me several times. Through my previous research I found a better free software for called Audacity, this worked fine and is better quality.
Open up the software start the LP and check the sound levels. The level should be adjusted so nothing peaks over "0". Restart the lp and click on record.
Audacity allows you to record a whole side of an LP and divide it up after it has been recorded. I exported the digital recording in .aiff form to iTunes. I didn't try and tweak anything in the sound files, but Audacity has many editing features.
However in iTunes there was a problem that I couldn't quickly resolve. After burning the material on a cd it wouldn't play on my cd player. I tried converting to other sound files (wav, mp3) with no change. I happen to own Roxio Toast Titanium and had no problem dragging the aiff files from itunes into Toast and burning the cd's there. They work and the quality is great.
So far iMic has worked fine and aside from the lame directions for set-up the device pretty much sets up itself once it is plugged in.
external soundcard works well.......2007-06-21
I had higher expectations for the device honestly but I realized that I was asking too much of it after I bought it. So i guess that's really a bad move on my part and I can't blame the tool. However I realized that it does record things at a high quality, it's just the pre-amp in my guitar sucks. People need to understand that this is a tool that needs to be used with other tools. I feel it records voice audio pretty impressively. I stuck a pair of headphones into the line in jack and it recorded my voice pretty well. Obviously i'll wanna get a real mic eventually. It requires you use good equipment with it. I have some crappy cables and a crappy electro-acoustic and I am pretty sure that has a lot to do with why I am not getting the exact sound I want out of it. The product does what it says just don't expect it to win you a grammy. You'll need this gadget and many others like it to accomplish that.
EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED!.......2007-05-06
Was searching for some way to get all my classic vinyl on to my computer after reading an ad in an inflight magazine. The players they were advertising were around $400+ but after my local newspaper had a review on this lil beauty, I thought I'd try it for a TENTH of the price (that includes the grounding cable that you also need to buy). It works great! Highly recommended and the FREE software from Audacity completes everything. Now you can make your records into mp3 with extreme ease -- though havent yet figured out how to remove the pops and crackles from the records yet. Now I can finally play all my old stuff and transfer it to my mp3 player or even make cd's from it. How cool!
Product Description
MODEL- HX2795B VENDOR- HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY FEATURES- iPAQ hx2795b Pocket PC Protect your information using your fingerprint (or fingerprint combined with a personal information number, or PIN). The versatile iPAQ hx2795 Pocket PC has this cool capability, plus lots more: optimal configurations for performance, connectivity and expandability. Includes iPAQ unit, Lithium-Ion battery, AC adapter, Stylus, Protective plastic flip cover, USB synchronization cradle, Product Info guide and Getting started disc. * Surf the Web at your local Wi-Fi hot spot or home with the integrated 802.11b wireless LAN. * Ensure that your system runs smoothly with the Premium edition of Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC--the latest software for handheld devices. * View and edit Microsoft Office documents: work with Excel charts and Powerpoint presentations, including custom animations and slide transitions. * Go faster using USB 2.0, which enhances file transfer speeds and synchronization of info between your PC and Windows Mobile-based device. * Input data using multiple options * See images and slide shows using the HP Image Zone software for Pocket PC. * Protect data when your device runs out of battery power with the persistent store feature. * Wirelessly print documents, e-mail, brochures, and photos to a Bluetooth- enabled printer, communicate with other Bluetooth devices, and create personal area networks using peer-to-peer communication. * Carry easily with the soft, rubber sides and slip-free grip! * Get faster, more flexible playback with excellent audio and video file formats using Windows Media Player 10. * Get where you want to go fast with the five-way navigation button and four application launch buttons. * Expand your capabilities as your needs grow using the Secure Digital slot. * Keep the display clear with the included plastic flip cover that prevents scratches. -- SPECIFICATIONs ------------------------------------ PROCESSOR
Amazon.com Product Description
The versatile HP Ipaq HX2795B Pocket PC delivers performance, connectivity, and enhanced security to suit your business and personal needs. This compact and portable computer lets you surf the web, download images and videos, send and receive emails, and view a variety of documents and presentations using Microsoft Office. This portable PC also lets you protect your information using your fingerprint (or fingerprint combined with a personal information number, or PIN). Versatile and easy to operate, the Ipaq offers optimal configurations for performance, connectivity and expandability. With the Ipaq, you'll always be up to date and in touch.
Compact and versatile, the HP Ipaq Pocket PC lets you take your favorite songs, videos, and Web sites everywhere you go. View larger.
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Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology for reliable connectivity. |
HP ProtectTools lets you use a PIN or password to control access to your Ipaq. |
USB 2.0 desktop synchronization cradle makes it easy to transfer files to your PC. |
Special Features
The Ipaq features wireless connectivity integrated Wi-Fi 802.11b and Bluetooth, as well as an expansion slot compatible with Secure Digital (SD) cards. Plus, its built-in, serial-infrared, integrated, biometric fingerprint reader provides convenient security for all your documents and data. To ensure optimum enjoyment of videos and other images, the Ipaq also offers a backlit, 3.5-inch, LCD screen, with power-save mode. It also features a user-available memory of up to 144 MB, which means there's plenty of room to store all your important data. The integrated microphone, speaker, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, and MP3 stereo (through audio jack and speaker) ensure a high-quality audio experience.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Ipaq
Ipaq offers a world of personal, professional, and entertainment options at your fingertips. View Microsoft Office documents like Excel charts and Powerpoint presentations, including custom animations and slide transitions. The Premium edition of Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PCs, specifically designed for handheld devices, helps ensure that your system runs smoothly. Save time and remain immediately up to date by using the USB 2.0 desktop synchronization cradle, which enhances file transfer speeds and synchronization of information between your PC and Windows Mobile-based device. The persistent store feature lets you protect data when your device runs out of battery power, while the HP ProtectTools (in collaboration with Credant Technologies) lets you use a PIN or password to control access to your Ipaq with encryption so that your data is protected should your Ipaq get misplaced or stolen. Enjoy images and slide shows using the HP Image Zone software for Pocket PC, and wirelessly print documents, e-mail, brochures, and photos to a Bluetooth-enabled printer. You can also easily transfer files to your Ipaq by communicating with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, and create personal area networks using peer-to-peer communication.
Additional Benefits
The Ipaq, with its soft, rubber sides and slip-free grip, is easy to carry. You also will appreciate the faster, more flexible playback with enhanced audio and video file formats using Windows Media Player 10. While surfing the Web, get where you want to go fast with the five-way navigation button and four application launch buttons. Expand your capabilities as your needs grow using the Secure Digital (SD) card slot and keep the display clear and free of scratches with the included plastic flip cover.
Warranty and Customer Service
The Ipaq comes with a one-year limited warranty. You can also rely on HP's renowned total care service and support, which J.D. Power and Associates has recognized as consistently providing "an outstanding customer service experience."
What's in the Box
HP iPAQ hx2795 Pocket PC, USB desktop synchronization cradle, removable/rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, charger adapter, stylus, protective plastic flip cover, product information guide, and getting started disc.
Customer Reviews:
Had to send it back!.......2007-12-29
I really like the product, its way smaller that I thought, 2 reason i had to send it back, 1. dead pixel, 2. had to reset 3 times in one hour. i dont know wat the heck is wrong with it. it doesnt support kingstore secure digital card, (4gb), otherwise the lcd is cristal clear, has wifi internet which is preety amazing, fast, i didnt get to see everything yet cuz i shiped it back the same day i got it, hope the one i am getting now comes with no diffects.
Solid performer.......2007-12-28
I've been using this as a development platform for a few weeks (winmobile) and I have to say it works pretty nicely. It can be difficult to figure out how to configure certain aspects of the device (e.g. networking, sync modes, etc), but usually a little google searching will get you an answer. My only complaint is that the device isn't running winmobile 6. Other than that, this is a solid PDA.
Great item.......2007-12-26
the only reason I give it a 4 star is that it sometimes goes to sleep and I can't wake it up easily. It may be user error but I don't think so. Requires me to change power source to wake it up. Love the email connections and file transfer, keeps my work schedule with me.
iPAQ hx2795 review.......2007-12-24
I'm a pharmacy intern and use my device mostly for checking drug-drug interactions or as a drug reference. I think it's user friendly, but it might have too many features for what I use it for. I've had a problem with a portion of my screen freezing up/not displaying icons it should - these fix themselves upon reset. If you do get this product, I recommend getting the case that goes with it.
not all it could be.......2007-11-29
i bought this unit 11 months ago and it has not really lived up to my expecctations.
THE GOOD
Good battery life, excellent screen, and good feel in the hand.
THE BAD
The unit is slow once you have some stuff on there. about every other time that i turn it on, i have to press the on button at least twice before it comes on. then the little clock comes up for 5-15 sec while its "thinking". then i click "word mobile" and it thinks some more. then i click a file and it thinks some more. the most annonying thing is that it when you first click a program or file, there may be up to a 5 sec delay before the thinking clock appears. if you click something before the clock appears, the unit gets "behind" itself and does crazy things, so you pretty much have to wait several seconds between all clicks. very tedious. HP of course blames it on the loaded software, but there was no change when i unloaded ALL extra software. the unit comes with windows pocket PC mobile 5.0 software which has both pluses and minuses over 3.0. for some reason, windows removed many useful functions when they upgraded. for example, you used to be able to change the view on the calendar with one click (e.g. from day to month). now, you need 3 clicks. they screwed up many other menus in a similar fashion, for no apparently useful reason! i must admit, i'm not really sure if the "slow" problem is the hardware or the windows software - buit i'm sure its not my extra software. and its not too much data, as i have only used 63 out of 320 MB and i have nothing on my SD card. lastly, the design of the 4 buttons at the bottom is a bit off - its hard to press the two middle buttons without hitting the outside buttons, especially if you have big fingers.
Product Description
iPAQ hx2795b Pocket PC PDA
• 3.5" transflective TFT display with 64,000 colors, LED backlight and power-save mode
• Persistant storage features protects data when battery power runs out
• Five-way navigation button and four application launch buttons for ease of use
• Integrated 802.11b wireless LAN offers Internet access for surfing the Web, messaging and e-mailing from Wi-Fi hotspots
• Integrated microphone, speaker and 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
• Offers MP3 stereo sound through headphone jack (headphones sold separately) or speaker
• Microsoft® Windows® Mobile™ 5.0 Premium Edition operating system with Microsoft® Office® software including Excel®, PowerPoint®, Windows® Media Player 10 and more
• Up to 256MB available memory (384MB total)
• 624MHz Intel® PXA270 processor
• Manufacturers limited one-year parts/labor warranty; 90-day software tech support
Powerful wireless device lets you collaborate, chat, exchange data and enjoy music, videos and Internet applications. Integrated Bluetooth® technology for wireless communication with other Bluetooth® devices. Serial IR lets you easily exchange data with other Serial IR enabled peripherals. Built-in Compact Flash Type II and Secure Digital card slots for additional storage or data transfer. HP ProtectTools and biometric fingerprint reader for optimum security. Includes AC adapter, USB desktop synchronization cable, stylus, protective plastic flip cover, CD-ROM and Lithium-Ion 1440 mAH removable/rechargeable battery. Weighs less than 6 oz. 3w x 4-3/4d x 3/4h.
Product Description
HP IPAQ hx2795B Mobile Media Companion - Intel PXA270 Processor 624 MHz, 256 MB Total Memory, Wi-Fi (802.11b), Bluetooth wireless technology, 3.5" transflective TFT QVGA with 64K color LED backlight display, Microsoft Windows Mobile
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